Signal transmission method and communication device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of communications, and provide a signal transmission method and a communication device, for use in gating different signal links without adding any additional analog switch, thereby reducing the complexity, area and cost of electrode plate design. The signal transmission method is applied to a first communication apparatus, wherein the first communication apparatus comprises a first signal link and a second signal link that support different transmission protocols, and the first communication apparatus communicates with a second communication apparatus by means of an interface. The signal transmission method comprises: receiving indication levels from an interface, different indication levels corresponding to different transmission protocols; gating one of a first signal link and a second signal link, the transmission protocol supported by the gated signal link corresponding to the received indication level; and using the gated signal link to communicate with a second communication apparatus by means of the interface.

Description

A signal transmission method and communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411524362.0, filed on October 29, 2024, entitled "A Signal Transmission Method and Communication Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a signal transmission method and communication device. Background Technology

[0003] The host device communicates with external devices through an interface that supports various protocols, such as High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), DisplayPort (DP), and Universal Serial Bus (USB). Specifically, during communication, the host device transmits signals to the interface through different signal links. These links support different transmission protocols, which may include those supported by the interface. Different protocols are used when the interface connects to different external devices; for example, HDMI is used when connecting to a display device, and USB is used when connecting to a storage device, thus enabling communication between the host device and different external devices.

[0004] When signals need to be transmitted through different signal links, an analog switch is typically added to the board level. The master device sends control information to the analog switch, which in turn controls the analog switch to select different signal links, thereby transmitting signals through those links. However, adding an analog switch to the board level to select different signal links increases the complexity, area, and cost of the board design. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a signal transmission method and communication device for selecting different signal links without adding an additional analog switch, thereby reducing the complexity, area, and cost of electrode plate design.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0007] In a first aspect, a signal transmission method is provided, which is applied to a first communication device. The first communication device includes a first signal link and a second signal link supporting different transmission protocols. The first communication device communicates with a second communication device through an interface. The signal transmission method includes: receiving an indication level from the interface, where different indication levels correspond to different transmission protocols; selecting one of the first and second signal links, where the transmission protocol supported by the selected signal link corresponds to the received indication level. For example, when the transmission protocol supported by the first signal link corresponds to the received indication level, the first signal link is selected; when the transmission protocol supported by the second signal link corresponds to the received indication level, the second signal link is selected; and using the selected signal link to communicate with the second communication device through the interface, for example, when the first signal link is selected, the first signal link is used to communicate with the second communication device through the interface; when the second signal link is selected, the second signal link is used to communicate with the second communication device through the interface. The first communication device is a master device, and the second communication device is a slave device.

[0008] In the above technical solution, after receiving the indication level from the interface, the first communication device selects the signal link that supports the transmission protocol corresponding to the indication level in the first signal link and the second link, based on the transmission protocol corresponding to the indication level. For example, when the first signal link supports the transmission protocol corresponding to the indication level, the first communication device selects the first signal link; when the second signal link supports the transmission protocol corresponding to the indication level, the first communication device selects the second signal link. The first communication device communicates with the second communication device through the interface using the selected signal link. That is, without adding an additional analog switch, the first communication device directly selects the signal link that supports the transmission protocol based on the transmission protocol corresponding to the indication level, reducing the complexity, area, and cost of board-level design.

[0009] In any possible implementation of the first aspect, the signal transmission method further includes: when the coupling method between the first signal link and the interface differs from the coupling method between the second signal link and the interface, setting the unselected signal link in the first and second signal links to a high-impedance state, or setting the unselected signal link to the pull-up / pull-down state required by the selected signal link. For example, when the first signal link is selected, the second signal link is set to a high-impedance state, or the second signal link is set to the pull-up / pull-down state required by the first signal link; when the second signal link is selected, the first signal link is set to a high-impedance state, or the first signal link is set to the pull-up / pull-down state required by the second signal link. The above possible implementations, by setting the unselected signal link to a high-impedance state, or setting the unselected signal link to the pull-up / pull-down state required by the selected signal link, reduce the impact on the selected signal link and improve the signal transmission quality.

[0010] In any possible implementation of the first aspect, the coupling method between the first signal link and the interface is the same as the coupling method between the second signal link and the interface. In the above possible implementations, the coupling method between the first signal link and the interface is the same as the coupling method between the second signal link and the interface, and the first and second signal links can share the same pin of the first communication device, improving pin utilization.

[0011] In any possible implementation of the first aspect, the first communication device further includes a first matching circuit coupled to the first signal link and a second matching circuit coupled to the second signal link; selecting one of the first and second signal links includes: selecting the first signal link through the first matching circuit when the transmission protocol supported by the first signal link corresponds to the received indication level; and selecting the second signal link through the second matching circuit when the transmission protocol supported by the second signal link corresponds to the received indication level. In the above possible implementations, selecting the corresponding signal link through the matching circuit ensures normal signal transmission.

[0012] In any of the possible implementations of the first aspect, at least one of the transmission voltage and transmission method differs between the different transmission protocols. These possible implementations increase the diversity and selectivity of transmission.

[0013] In any possible implementation of the first aspect, the transmission method includes single-ended transmission and differential transmission. The above-mentioned possible implementations provide a variety of transmission methods, and transmitting signals based on different methods can meet different transmission requirements.

[0014] In a second aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a first signal link and a second signal link supporting different transmission protocols. The communication device, as a first communication device, communicates with a second communication device through an interface. The communication device further comprises: a communication unit for receiving an indication level from the interface, wherein different indication levels correspond to different transmission protocols; a processing unit for selecting one of the first and second signal links, wherein the transmission protocol supported by the selected signal link corresponds to the received indication level; and the communication unit is further configured to communicate with the second communication device through the interface using the selected signal link.

[0015] In any possible implementation of the second aspect, the processing unit is further configured to: set the unselected signal link in the first signal link and the interface to a high-impedance state, or set the unselected signal link to the pull-up or pull-down state required by the selected signal link, when the coupling mode between the first signal link and the interface is different from the coupling mode between the second signal link and the interface.

[0016] In any possible implementation of the second aspect, the coupling method between the first signal link and the interface is the same as the coupling method between the second signal link and the interface.

[0017] In any possible implementation of the second aspect, the communication device further includes a first matching circuit coupled to the first signal link and a second matching circuit coupled to the second signal link; the processing unit is further configured to select the first signal link through the first matching circuit when the received indication level corresponds to the transmission protocol supported by the first signal link; the processing unit is further configured to select the second signal link through the second matching circuit when the received indication level corresponds to the transmission protocol supported by the second signal link.

[0018] In any possible implementation of the second aspect, at least one of the transmission voltage and transmission method differs between the different transmission protocols.

[0019] In any possible implementation of the second aspect, the transmission method includes single-ended transmission and differential transmission.

[0020] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, the communication device including a first communication apparatus and an interface, the first communication apparatus being connected to the interface, the first communication apparatus being a communication apparatus provided as in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0021] In any possible implementation of the third aspect, the communication device further includes a second communication device, and the first communication device communicates with the second communication device through an interface.

[0022] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores instructions that, when executed on the processor, cause the processor to perform a signal transmission method as provided in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0023] Fifthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein a computer program or instructions are stored therein, which, when executed, implement the signal transmission method provided by the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0024] Sixthly, a computer program product is provided, comprising: a computer program, also known as code or instructions, which, when executed, causes a computer to perform the signal transmission method provided by the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0025] Understandably, the beneficial effects that can be achieved by the second to sixth aspects mentioned above can be referred to in the beneficial effects of the signal transmission method provided by the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a signal transmission method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another first communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 6 is a communication diagram of a first communication device and an interface provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following sections will discuss the fabrication and use of various embodiments in detail. However, it should be understood that many applicable inventive concepts provided in this application can be implemented in a variety of specific environments. The specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways of implementing and using this application and technology, and do not limit the scope of this application.

[0035] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0036] Each circuit or other component may be described or referred to as "for" performing one or more tasks. In this context, "for" is used to imply a structure by indicating that the circuit / component includes a structure (e.g., a circuit system) that performs one or more tasks during operation. Therefore, even when the specified circuit / component is currently inoperable (e.g., not turned on), it can still be referred to as "for performing that task." Circuits / components used with the term "for" include hardware, such as circuits that perform operations.

[0037] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, a, b, and c; where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0038] The embodiments of this application use terms such as "first" and "second" to distinguish objects with similar names, functions, or effects. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or order of execution. The term "coupling" is used to indicate an electrical connection, including direct connection via wires or terminals or indirect connection via other devices. Therefore, "coupling" should be considered as a broad type of electronic communication connection.

[0039] It should be noted that, in this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is being described as an example, illustration, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design solutions. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0040] Before introducing the embodiments of this application, the application scenarios involved in the embodiments of this application will be explained first.

[0041] The master device communicates with external devices through an interface that supports a variety of different protocols, such as High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), DisplayPort (DP), Universal Serial Bus (USB), etc.

[0042] During communication, the master device transmits signals to the interface through different signal links. Different signal links support different transmission protocols, which may include the protocols supported by the interface mentioned above. Different protocols are used when the interface is connected to different external devices. For example, the HDMI protocol is used when the interface is connected to a display device, and the USB interface protocol is used when the interface is connected to a storage device, thereby enabling communication between the master device and different external devices.

[0043] When the master device needs to transmit signals through different signal links, an analog switch is typically added at the board level. The master device sends control information to the analog switch, which in turn controls the analog switch to select different signal links, thereby transmitting signals through those links. Figure 1 below illustrates the specific process by which the master device uses an analog switch to select different signal links.

[0044] For example, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device includes a main device 101, an analog switch 102, an interface 103, a signal link A, a signal link B, a matching circuit A coupled to signal link A, and a matching circuit B coupled to signal link B. The main device 101 is connected to the analog switch 102 via signal link A and to the analog switch 102 via signal link B. The analog switch 102 is connected to the interface 103. Matching circuit A and matching circuit B are different; for example, the pull-up and pull-down resistors in matching circuit A are different from those in matching circuit B, or the coupling methods between signal link A and interface 103 are different from those between signal link B and interface 103. Both matching circuit A and matching circuit B are located outside the main device 101; matching circuit A can also be called external matching circuit A, and matching circuit B can also be called external matching circuit B. Figure 1 illustrates the example of a main device 101 having two signal links (signal link A and signal link B), but does not constitute a specific limitation on the number of signal links in the main device 101. In practical applications, the main device 101 may include two or more signal links.

[0045] During communication, when the master device 101 needs to transmit a signal through signal link A, the master device 101 sends a first control signal to the analog switch 102. This first control signal instructs the analog switch 102 to select signal link A. The analog switch 102 receives the first control signal and selects signal link A. At this time, signal link A is in the on state, and signal link B is in the off state. The master device 101 uses signal link A to transmit signals to external devices (such as display devices) through interface 103. When the master device 101 needs to transmit a signal through signal link B, the master device 101 sends a second control signal to the analog switch 102. This second control signal instructs the analog switch 102 to select signal link B. The analog switch 102 receives the second control signal and selects signal link B. At this time, signal link B is in the on state, and signal link A is in the off state. The master device 101 uses signal link B to transmit signals to external devices (such as storage devices) through interface 103.

[0046] The control signals (including the first and second control signals mentioned above) are sent by the master device 101 through ports other than signal link A and signal link B. For example, in one possible implementation, the master device 101 can be a master control chip, and the interface 103 can also be called an interface module. The control signals can be sent by the master control chip through general-purpose input / output (GPIO) pins.

[0047] However, the above scheme increases the complexity, area, and cost of the board-level design by using analog switches added on the board to select different signal links.

[0048] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a signal transmission method for selecting different signal links without adding additional analog switches, thereby reducing the complexity, area, and cost of board-level design. In this signal transmission method, a first communication device includes a first signal link and a second signal link supporting different transmission protocols. A first matching circuit corresponding to the first signal link and a second matching circuit corresponding to the second signal link are both disposed within the first communication device. Thus, without adding additional analog switches, the first communication device can directly select one of the first and second signal links, reducing the complexity, area, and cost of low-level board-level design.

[0049] The technical solution provided in this application can be applied to communication devices that include multiple communication devices, which can be devices or chips used in devices, etc., and different communication devices are interconnected. In this application, the multiple communication devices can transmit signals through an interface.

[0050] Optionally, when the communication device is a chip, the chip can also be connected to an interface, allowing different chips to transmit signals through the interface. This application can be used in chip-to-chip communication scenarios. For example, the chip can be a system-on-chip (SoC), a central processing unit (CPU), or a graphics processing unit (GPU), and the aforementioned interface can be an interface for connecting or communicating with the SoC, CPU, or GPU. Optionally, the chip can also be a small chip such as a die, and the interface can be a transmitting circuit and / or receiving circuit coupled to the die. This interface can also be called an interface module.

[0051] The following example illustrates the structure of a communication device, which includes two communication units.

[0052] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device includes a first communication device 201 and a second communication device 202 connected via an interface. For example, the first communication device 201 is connected to interface A, and the second communication device 202 is connected to interface B. Interface A and interface B are connected by a cable. The first communication device 201 can output signals to the second communication device 202 through interface A, and the second communication device 202 can receive signals from the first communication device 201 through interface B.

[0053] In one possible embodiment, the communication device may include a master device and a slave device. The master device may also be referred to as a host computer or master state machine, and the slave device may also be referred to as a slave computer or slave state machine. In practical applications, the first communication device 201 can be the master device, and the second communication device can be the slave device.

[0054] Optionally, the main device can be a System-on-a-Chip (SoC), which includes a processor. For example, the processor may include a central processing unit (CPU), a neural-network processing unit (NPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. Optionally, the slave device may include a camera, a display, memory, or an audio device, etc. For example, the memory may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, and a hard disk, etc. The audio device may include speakers, microphones, and loudspeakers, etc. This example describes the situation where the first communication device 201 and the second communication device 202 belong to the same electronic device.

[0055] In this application, the first communication device 201 and the second communication device 202 may also belong to two electronic devices. For example, the first communication device 201 belongs to the first electronic device and the second communication device 202 belongs to the second electronic device. The first electronic device also includes the aforementioned interface A, and the second electronic device also includes the aforementioned interface B. In this case, the first communication device 201 is the master device (e.g., a mobile phone) and the second communication device 202 is the slave device (e.g., another mobile phone or computer). That is, this application can be applied to scenarios where electronic devices communicate with each other.

[0056] Optionally, the aforementioned interfaces A and B may include, but are not limited to: Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) interface, Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) interface, Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI), High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), mini HDMI, micro HDMI, DisplayPort (DP), Unified Multimedia Interconnection (UMMI) interface, Unified Media Interconnection (UMI) interface, Type-A interface, Type-B interface, Type-C interface, or proprietary interfaces, etc. The different types of interfaces indicate different protocols used by the interfaces. For example, DP indicates that interfaces A and B use the DP protocol, and HDMI indicates that interfaces A and B use the HDMI protocol, etc.

[0057] In this application, the second communication device 202 differs depending on the protocol used by interface A. Since the first communication device 201 and the second communication device 202 can belong to the same electronic device or two separate electronic devices, the two cases will be described separately below.

[0058] In one possible embodiment, the first communication device 201 and the second communication device 202 belong to the same electronic device. The first communication device 201 is the master device in the electronic device, such as a processor, and the second communication device 202 is the slave device in the electronic device. When the slave device is a display (also called a screen) or an audio device, the protocol used by interface A is the HDMI protocol or the DP protocol. When the slave device is a memory, the protocol used by interface A is the USB protocol.

[0059] In another possible embodiment, the first communication device 201 and the second communication device 202 belong to two electronic devices. The first communication device belongs to a first electronic device, which also includes interface A. The second communication device belongs to a second electronic device, which also includes interface B. The first communication device is a master device (e.g., a mobile phone), and the second communication device is a slave device. When the slave device is a computer, interface A uses the HDMI or DP protocol. When the slave device is another mobile phone, interface A uses the USB protocol.

[0060] In this application, the first communication device 201 and the aforementioned interface A may include at least two signal links. These at least two signal links correspond to different transmission protocols, which may include protocols supported by both interface A and interface B. Each of the at least two signal links may include one or more signal lines, which may include differential signal lines. The signal links on the side of the second communication device 202 correspond to those on the side of the first communication device 201, and will not be described further here. Figure 2 above illustrates an example where the first communication device 201 and the aforementioned interface A include two signal links.

[0061] In addition, the aforementioned electronic devices may include, but are not limited to: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices (such as smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, etc.), audio equipment, audio and video players, set-top boxes, game consoles, in-vehicle equipment (such as equipment on vehicles such as cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, and high-speed trains), virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, smart home devices (such as refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, etc.), intelligent robots, workshop equipment, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, or wireless terminals in smart homes, and flying equipment (such as intelligent robots, drones, airplanes), etc.

[0062] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a signal transmission method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method can be applied to a first communication device, which includes a first signal link and a second signal link supporting different transmission protocols. The first communication device is connected to interface A, and the first communication device communicates with a second communication device through interface A. The first communication device is a master device, and the second communication device is a slave device. The signal transmission method may include the following steps.

[0063] S301: The first communication device receives an indication level from interface A. Different indication levels correspond to different transmission protocols.

[0064] The different transmission protocols may include those supported by interface A. For example, the protocols supported by interface A may include, but are not limited to, HDMI, DP, USB, USB type-A, USB type-B, USB type-C, PCIe, UMMI, SCSI, SAS, and MIPI.

[0065] Secondly, different transmission protocols correspond to different electrical standards, which may include transmission voltage and transmission method, etc. Optionally, different transmission protocols may differ in at least one of their transmission voltage and transmission method; for example, the first transmission protocol and the second transmission protocol are different transmission protocols. In the first possible implementation, the transmission voltage of the first transmission protocol is different from that of the second transmission protocol, but the transmission method of the first transmission protocol is the same as that of the second transmission protocol. In the second possible implementation, the transmission voltage of the first transmission protocol is the same as that of the second transmission protocol, but the transmission method of the first transmission protocol is different from that of the second transmission protocol; for example, the first transmission protocol uses single-ended transmission, while the second transmission protocol uses differential transmission. In the third possible implementation, the transmission voltage of the first transmission protocol is different from that of the second transmission protocol, and the transmission method of both the first and second transmission protocols is also different.

[0066] Furthermore, different indicator levels can correspond to different transmission protocols, and the correspondence between different indicator levels and different transmission protocols is the first correspondence. For example, the first correspondence is shown in Table 1:

[0067] Table 1

[0068] Furthermore, the first communication device includes at least two signal links supporting different transmission protocols, and the first communication device can communicate with the second communication device through interface A using the at least two signal links. The following explanation will use an example where the at least two signal links include two signal links, namely a first signal link and a second signal link.

[0069] Optionally, the first signal link is any one of the two signal links included in the first communication device, and the second signal link is the other signal link besides the first signal link among the two signal links included in the first communication device. The transmission protocol corresponding to the first signal link is the first transmission protocol, which is any one of the multiple protocols supported by the aforementioned interface A. The transmission protocol corresponding to the second signal link is the second transmission protocol, which is any one of the multiple protocols supported by the aforementioned interface A that is different from the first transmission protocol.

[0070] In one possible embodiment, interface A sends different indication levels to the first communication device based on the transmission protocol supported by the second communication device. The transmission protocol supported by the second communication device includes the protocols supported by interface A. For example, interface A detects the second communication device (e.g., a display), parses and determines that the transmission protocol supported by the display is the HDMI protocol, and determines that the indication level corresponding to the HDMI protocol is a first indication level 0000. For example, interface A can query a first correspondence to determine the first indication level 0000 corresponding to the HDMI protocol, and then sends the first indication level 0000 to the first communication device. Similarly, if interface A detects the second communication device (e.g., a memory), parses and determines that the transmission protocol supported by the display is the USB protocol, and determines that the indication level corresponding to the USB protocol is a second indication level 0010, for example, interface A can query a first correspondence to determine the second indication level 0010 corresponding to the USB protocol, and then sends the second indication level 0010 to the first communication device.

[0071] In another possible embodiment, the second communication device sends an indication level to interface A based on a supported transmission protocol. Interface A can be used to receive and send the indication level to the first communication device. For example, when the second communication device is an audio device, the audio device sends a third indication level 0001 to interface A based on a supported DP protocol. For instance, the audio device stores a first correspondence, and the audio device can determine and send the third indication level 0001 corresponding to the DP protocol by querying the first correspondence. Interface A receives and sends the third indication level 0001 to the first communication device.

[0072] S302: The first communication device selects one of the first signal link and the second signal link, and the transmission protocol supported by the selected signal link corresponds to the indication level received by the first communication device.

[0073] Specifically, when the indication level received by the first communication device corresponds to the first transmission protocol, the first communication device selects the first signal link; when the indication level received by the first communication device corresponds to the second transmission protocol, the first communication device selects the second signal link.

[0074] In one possible embodiment, the first communication device stores the first correspondence, as well as the second correspondence between the signal link and the transmission protocol supported by the signal link. For example, both the first and second correspondences can be stored in the memory of the first communication device.

[0075] For example, a second correspondence between signal links and the transmission protocols supported by the signal links is shown in Table 2:

[0076] Table 2

[0077] Specifically, the first communication device queries a first correspondence based on the received indication level to determine the transmission protocol corresponding to the received indication level; it queries a second correspondence based on the transmission protocol to determine the signal link corresponding to the transmission protocol, and the signal link corresponding to the transmission protocol is one of the first signal link and the second signal link; the first communication device selects one of the first signal link and the second signal link.

[0078] The specific structure of the first communication device will be described below with reference to Figure 4.

[0079] For example, as shown in Figure 4, the first communication device includes a first signal link 401, a second signal link 402, a first matching circuit 403 coupled to the first signal link 401, and a second matching circuit 404 coupled to the second signal link 402. The pin corresponding to the first signal link 401 is the first pin O1, and the pin corresponding to the second signal link 402 is the second pin O2. The coupling method between the first signal link 401 and interface A is different from the coupling method between the second signal link 402 and interface A. For example, in Figure 4, the coupling method between the first signal link 401 and interface A is AC coupling, that is, the first signal link 401 is coupled to interface A using an alternating current (AC) coupling capacitor, while the coupling method between the second signal link 402 and interface A is DC coupling, and the signal link is differential transmission.

[0080] In one possible embodiment, step S302 includes: when the indication level received by the first communication device corresponds to the transmission protocol supported by the first signal link 401, the first communication device selects the first signal link 401 through the first matching circuit 403. For example, the first communication device selects the first signal link 401 by controlling the first matching circuit 403 to be in a working mode, a power-on mode, or a corresponding configuration mode of the first signal link 401; when the indication level received by the first communication device corresponds to the transmission protocol supported by the second signal link 402, the first communication device selects the second signal link 402 through the second matching circuit 404. For example, the first communication device selects the second signal link 402 by controlling the second matching circuit 404 to be in a working mode, a power-on mode, or a corresponding configuration mode of the second signal link 402.

[0081] Furthermore, the method provided in this application embodiment also includes: the first communication device sets the unselected signal links in the first signal link 401 and the second signal link 402 to a high-impedance state, or sets the unselected signal links to the pull-up or pull-down states required by the selected signal links.

[0082] Specifically, when the first communication device selects the first signal link 401, the first communication device sets the second pin O2 corresponding to the second signal link 402 to a high-impedance state, thereby setting the second signal link 402 to a high-impedance state, or sets the second signal link 402 to the pull-up or pull-down state required by the first signal link 401, that is, the signal in the first signal link 401 is pulled up to a fixed power supply or pulled down to ground near the interface A side through the pull-up or pull-down resistors of the second matching circuit 404; when the first communication device selects the second signal link 402, the first communication device sets the first pin O1 corresponding to the first signal link 401 to a high-impedance state, thereby setting the first signal link 401 to a high-impedance state, or sets the first signal link 401 to the pull-up or pull-down state required by the second signal link 402, that is, the signal in the second signal link 402 is pulled up to a fixed power supply or pulled down to ground near the interface A side through the pull-up or pull-down resistors of the first matching circuit 403.

[0083] High impedance state refers to the state in which the resistance value of the signal link is greater than the preset resistance value. High impedance state can also be called high impedance state. When the signal link is in high impedance state, the signal link cannot transmit signals.

[0084] Additionally, pull-up and pull-down states refer to the voltage values ​​or voltage states (e.g., high and low levels) required by the signal lines in the signal link.

[0085] In one possible embodiment, referring to Figures 4 and 5, the coupling method between the first signal link 401 and interface A is the same as the coupling method between the second signal link 402 and interface A. For example, both the coupling methods between the first signal link 401 and interface A and the second signal link 402 and interface A are DC coupling. In this case, the first signal link 401 and the second signal link 402 share a pin. Optionally, the first signal link 401 and the second signal link 402 share a first pin O1, or the first signal link 401 and the second signal link 402 share a second pin O2. Figure 5 shows an example where both the coupling methods between the first signal link 401 and interface A and the second signal link 402 and interface A are DC coupling, and the first signal link 401 and the second signal link 402 share a first pin O1. In this embodiment, the first signal link 401 and the second signal link 402 share a pin, reducing the pin overhead of the first communication device.

[0086] S303: The first communication device communicates with the second communication device through an interface using a selected signal link.

[0087] The following description, in conjunction with Figure 5, illustrates the specific process by which the first communication device communicates with the second communication device via an interface using a selected signal link.

[0088] Specifically, when the signal link selected by the first communication device is the first signal link 401, the first communication device communicates with the second communication device through interface A using the first signal link 401; when the signal link selected by the first communication device is the second signal link 402, the first communication device communicates with the second communication device through interface A using the second signal link 402.

[0089] In one possible embodiment, the first communication device and the second communication device belong to the same electronic device. The first communication device is the master device in the electronic device, for example, the first communication device can be a processor, and the second communication device is the slave device in the electronic device. When the slave device is a display (also called a screen) or an audio device, the protocol used by interface A is the HDMI protocol or the DP protocol. When the slave device is a memory, the protocol used by interface A is the USB protocol.

[0090] In one possible embodiment, the first communication device and the second communication device belong to two electronic devices. The first communication device belongs to the first electronic device, which also includes interface A. The second communication device belongs to the second electronic device. The first communication device is the master device (e.g., a mobile phone), and the second communication device is the slave device. When the slave device is a computer, the protocol used by interface A is the HDMI protocol or the DP protocol, meaning this application can be applied to scenarios where a mobile phone communicates with a computer. When the slave device is another mobile phone, the protocol used by interface A is the USB protocol, meaning this application can be applied to scenarios where a mobile phone communicates with another mobile phone.

[0091] For ease of understanding, the signal transmission method provided in this application embodiment will be described below using interface A in Figure 4 as an example, which is a USB Type-C interface. Here, USB Type-C interface refers to the protocol used by interface A, which is the Type-C protocol in the USB protocol suite. The USB standards organization defined alternative modes in Type-C specification version 2.1, allowing third parties to support interface functions outside the USB Type-C scope by redefining some pins in their USB Type-C interfaces.

[0092] For example, Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a first communication device and a USB Type-C interface provided in an embodiment of this application. The USB Type-C interface includes 24 pins arranged in two rows, with 12 pins in each row. Pin A1 corresponds to pin B12, and pin A12 corresponds to pin B1. Pins A1, B12, and B1 are all used for grounding (GND). Pins A2, B11, A3, B10, B11, and B2 are all high-speed signal pins. Pins A2 and A3 are the differential transmitters (TX1+ and TX1-) for high-speed signal 1, respectively; pins A10 and A11 are the differential receivers (RX2- and RX2+) for high-speed signal 2, respectively; pins B11 and B10 are the differential receivers (RX1+ and RX1-) for high-speed signal 1, respectively; and pins B2 and B3 are the differential transmitters (TX2+ and TX2-) for high-speed signal 2, respectively. Pins A4, B9, and B4 are used to connect to the bus power supply V. BUS Pin A5 is configuration channel 1 (CC1), pin B5 is configuration channel 2 (CC2), pin B8 is auxiliary signal (SBU2) pin, pin A8 is auxiliary signal (SBU1) pin, pins B8 and A8 can be customized by third-party users, pins A6 and A7 are differential signal 1D+ and D- respectively, and pins B7 and B6 are differential signal 2D- and D+.

[0093] When the USB Type-C interface is compatible with its alternative modes, the USB Type-C interface is typically compatible with the DP alternate mode (Alternative mode, Altmode) protocol. This means the USB Type-C interface is defined as a USB Type-C+DP Altmode interface, and interface A uses the USB Type-C+DP Altmode protocol. Specifically, the second signal link 402 supports the USB Type-C protocol. Since the auxiliary signals (SBU1 and SBU2) in the USB Type-C interface are single-ended signals, the second signal link 402 is DC-coupled with the USB Type-C interface. The first signal link supports the USB Type-C+DP Altmode protocol. The auxiliary signal DP_AUX in the USB Type-C+DP Altmode interface is a differential signal, and the first signal link 401 is AC-coupled with the USB Type-C+DP Altmode interface.

[0094] For the first signal link 401 and the second signal link 402 that support different transmission protocols and different coupling methods, when the protocol used by interface A is USB Type-C, the first communication device selects the second signal link 402 through the second matching circuit 404 and sets the first signal link 401 to a high-impedance state, or sets the first signal link 401 to the pull-up or pull-down state required by the second signal link 402, so as to reduce the impact on the second signal link 402; when the protocol used by interface A is USB Type-C+DP Altmode, the first communication device selects the first signal link 401 through the first matching circuit 403 and sets the second signal link 402 to a high-impedance state, or sets the second signal link 402 to the pull-up or pull-down state required by the first signal link 401, so as to reduce the impact on the first signal link 401.

[0095] The signal transmission method provided in this application is applied in a first communication device. The first communication device includes a first signal link, a second signal link, a first matching circuit coupled to the first signal link, and a second matching circuit coupled to the second signal link. The first communication device can directly select one of the first and second signal links based on a received indication level. The transmission protocol supported by the selected signal link corresponds to the indication level received by the first communication device. The first communication device communicates with the second communication device through an interface using the selected signal link. Thus, without adding an additional analog switch, the first communication device can directly select one of the first and second signal links, realizing the selection of different signal links and reducing the complexity, area, and cost of low-level board design.

[0096] The above mainly describes the solution provided by the embodiments of this application from the perspective of the interaction between the first communication device and the interface. It is understood that, in order to achieve the above functions, the first communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, in conjunction with the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0097] This application embodiment can divide the first communication device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. The following description uses the division of functional modules according to each function as an example.

[0098] In the case of using integrated units, Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of the communication device involved in the above embodiments. This communication device includes a first signal link and a second signal link supporting different transmission protocols. The communication device, as a first communication device, communicates with a second communication device through an interface. The communication device can be a device or a chip applied to a device. The communication device includes a communication unit 701 and a processing unit 702. The communication unit 701 supports the communication device in performing one or more steps S301 and S303 in the above method embodiments, and the processing unit 702 supports the communication device in performing one or more steps S302 in the above method embodiments.

[0099] All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here in the embodiments of this application.

[0100] In another embodiment of this application, a communication device is provided, which includes a first communication device and an interface. The first communication device is connected to the interface. The first communication device may be or include the first communication device shown in FIG4 and FIG5 above, and is used to perform the steps of the first communication device in the method embodiment provided above.

[0101] Optionally, the communication equipment may also include a second communication device, and the first communication device communicates with the second communication device through an interface.

[0102] It is understood that all relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced in the embodiments of the communication device, and the embodiments of this application will not be repeated here.

[0103] In another embodiment of this application, a communication device is provided. A schematic diagram of the communication device is shown in Figure 8. The communication device includes a processor 801, a memory 802, and an interface 803, which can also be called a communication interface. The processor 801, memory 802, and interface 803 communicate with each other via a bus. The memory stores instructions, which, when executed on the processor, cause the processor to perform the steps of the first communication device in the above method embodiment.

[0104] It is understood that all relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced in the embodiments of the communication device, and the embodiments of this application will not be repeated here.

[0105] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules or units is merely a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another apparatus, or some features may be ignored or not executed.

[0106] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0107] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium. This readable storage medium may include various media capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, external hard drive, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiments of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product.

[0108] In another embodiment of this application, a readable storage medium is also provided, which stores a computer program or instructions. When a device (which may be a chip or a microcontroller, etc.) or a processor runs the computer program or instructions, it executes the steps of the first communication device in the above method embodiment.

[0109] In another embodiment of this application, a computer program product is also provided, which includes a computer program or instructions stored in a readable storage medium; at least one processor of the device can read the computer program or instructions from the readable storage medium, and when the at least one processor executes the computer program or instructions, it performs the steps of the first communication device in the above method embodiment.

[0110] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A signal transmission method, characterized in that, Applied to a first communication device, the first communication device includes a first signal link and a second signal link supporting different transmission protocols, the first communication device communicates with a second communication device through an interface, and the signal transmission method includes: Receive indication levels from the interface; different indication levels correspond to different transmission protocols. Select one of the first signal link and the second signal link, wherein the transmission protocol supported by the selected signal link corresponds to the received indication level; The selected signal link is used to communicate with the second communication device through the interface.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal transmission method further includes: When the coupling method between the first signal link and the interface is different from the coupling method between the second signal link and the interface, the unselected signal link in the first signal link and the second signal link is set to a high impedance state, or the unselected signal link is set to the pull-up or pull-down state required by the selected signal link.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coupling method between the first signal link and the interface is the same as the coupling method between the second signal link and the interface.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first communication device further includes a first matching circuit coupled to the first signal link and a second matching circuit coupled to the second signal link; the step of selecting one of the first signal link and the second signal link includes: When the transmission protocol supported by the first signal link corresponds to the received indication level, the first signal link is selected by the first matching circuit; When the transmission protocol supported by the second signal link corresponds to the received indication level, the second signal link is selected by the second matching circuit.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Different transmission protocols differ in at least one of their transmission voltage and transmission method.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The transmission methods include single-ended transmission and differential transmission.

7. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a first signal link and a second signal link supporting different transmission protocols. The communication device, as the first communication device, communicates with the second communication device through an interface. The communication device also includes: A communication unit is used to receive indication levels from the interface, with different indication levels corresponding to different transmission protocols; The processing unit is configured to select one of the first signal link and the second signal link, wherein the selected signal link supports a transmission protocol corresponding to the received indication level; The communication unit is also used to communicate with the second communication device through the interface using the selected signal link.

8. The communication device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The processing unit is further configured to, when the coupling method between the first signal link and the interface is different from the coupling method between the second signal link and the interface, set the unselected signal link in the first signal link and the second signal link to a high-impedance state, or set the unselected signal link to the pull-up or pull-down state required by the selected signal link.

9. The communication device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The coupling method between the first signal link and the interface is the same as the coupling method between the second signal link and the interface.

10. The communication device according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that, The communication device further includes a first matching circuit coupled to the first signal link and a second matching circuit coupled to the second signal link. The processing unit is further configured to select the first signal link through the first matching circuit when the transmission protocol supported by the first signal link corresponds to the received indication level. The processing unit is further configured to select the second signal link through the second matching circuit when the transmission protocol supported by the second signal link corresponds to the received indication level.

11. The communication device according to any one of claims 7-10, characterized in that, Different transmission protocols differ in at least one of their transmission voltage and transmission method.

12. The communication device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The transmission methods include single-ended transmission and differential transmission.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a first communication unit and an interface, wherein the first communication unit is connected to the interface, and the first communication unit is the communication unit as described in any one of claims 7-12.

14. The communication device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The communication device further includes a second communication device, and the first communication device communicates with the second communication device through the interface.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions that, when executed on the processor, cause the processor to perform the signal transmission method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

16. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed on the device, cause the device to perform the signal transmission method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

17. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program that, when run on a device, causes the device to perform the signal transmission method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

Images